The real target of Doug Ford's wrath

Doug Ford continues to upend the political status quo in Ontario. Many opinion columnists have weighed in over the last few days about Ford’s decision to use the notwithstanding clause to bring in legislation about the city of Toronto. Today in The Conversation Canada, Brian Budd of the University of Guelph provides an angle that hasn’t been explored elsewhere: the new Ontario premier is taking on the “Court Party” – part of an “opposition to judicial activism that has developed among right-wing politicians and academics in the post-Charter era.”

Carrie Jenkins is a polyamorous philosopher from the University of British Columbia. She has a fascinating essay that draws from research evidence to argue that where love is concerned, we should break all the established rules.

It wasn’t as high profile as some of its other promises (like legalizing cannabis), but the Trudeau government has committed to establishing a national food policy. Evan Fraser of the University of Guelph takes a look at the progress made so far on the promise and why so many Canadians want the promise to be kept.

And finally…I have always been a fan of the 1960s TV show “Batman,” which featured Burt Ward as Robin, the Boy Wonder. There’s quite a different take on the Robin character in the new TV series “Teen Titans” and as Andrew Deman of the University of Waterloo explains, the young superhero establishes his independence by sputtering: “F@#k Batman.” Holy Wash Out Your Mouth With Soap!

Regards,

Scott White

Editor

Today's Featured Articles

Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks to reporters in Toronto on Sept. 10, 2018, after announcing he’ll invoke the notwithstanding clause in his battle to shrink Toronto city council. Is Ford taking on the “Court Party?” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov.

Doug Ford’s attack on the ‘Court Party’

Brian Budd, University of Guelph

Doug Ford’s wielding of the notwithstanding clause is part of a broader opposition to judicial activism that has developed among right-wing politicians and academics in the post-Charter era.

If you ditch the Cinderella story and intentionally craft romantic relationships to suit you – evidence from business and philosophy says you might have a good chance of deep happiness. (Shutterstock)

How to ‘love-craft’ your relationships for health and happiness

Carrie Jenkins, University of British Columbia

A polyamorous philosopher draws from research evidence to argue that where love is concerned, we should break all the established rules.

People buy fruits and vegetables in May 2017 at the Jean-Talon farmers market in Montreal. (Shutterstock)

A Canadian food policy moves closer to becoming a reality

Evan Fraser, University of Guelph

A government report on an upcoming national food policy is an optimistic indication that it will result in both healthier and more sustainable food for Canadians and stronger agri-food industry.

The lynch-pin of the marketing for the new ‘Titans’ TV series is a line in which Robin says “F@#k Batman!” Warner Bros. Television

Titans on TV: The life-changing magic of ‘F@#k Batman!’

J. Andrew Deman,, University of Waterloo

In the trailer for the new DC TV series, Robin answers 'F@#k Batman!' when the bad guys ask about the Caped Crusader. This is a hopeful move to necessary character changes in superhero storytelling.

Politics

Environment + Energy

  • How meteorologists predict the next big hurricane

    Mark Bourassa, Florida State University; Vasu Misra, Florida State University

    How do experts know when and where the next big hurricane is going to hit? A look at the complicated science of forecasting.

Science + Technology